To some people, the word tattoo brings thoughts of horror and pain. To others, tattoos bring visions of beauty and art.

What do the students of Jamesville-DeWitt High School think about tattoos? Out of 50 students surveyed, 30 students said they didn't like tattoos while 20 said they enjoy tattoos whether on themselves or others. “I like creative tattoos, I’m not a fan of pointless tattoos,” said sophomore Hal Schulman who does not have a tattoo and wouldn’t want one in the future.

Some people in the J-DHS community will never get a tattoo like sophomore Matt Cappelletti and physical education teacher Cara Goldberg. “I don't want something that is not removable when I’m older,” said Cappelletti.

However, some students and teachers at J-DHS have endured the pain and gotten a tattoo for a purpose. Sophomore Gordo Noda has two tattoos on his forearms displaying the name of his beloved aunt who passed away when he was younger. “I would get more tattoos of my family, my brothers and something to do with basketball,” said Noda. Fellow sophomore Lavaj Kearse has a tattoo on his arm displaying the name of his grandmother who passed away. “I really missed her,” said Kearse who needed something to remember her by and would get more tattoos of his family members that passed. Physical education teacher Jeff Ike has many tattoos that display the names of his grandparents, his mother and father, and also his daughter’s name and birthday.“My tattoos all mean something to either me or my family,” said Coach Ike.

Other tattoos have different meanings. Spanish teacher Simone Pacilio has a tattoo because she was “sucked into the trend.” She said that she always wanted a tattoo, but grew up with a father who didn't believe women should have them. Health teacher Melissa Moore has a tattoo of a yin and yang sun and moon on her leg because it was an “impulse buy.” “I would get more if I was younger,” said Mrs. Moore.

Some people only like the sight of tattoos or haven't worked up the nerve to go out and get one yet. Physical education teacher Emily Rowles does not have any tattoos, but said she is not against people getting them. Freshman Taku Laclair is on the fence about getting a tattoo. Laclair said he likes how they look but knows that, since he’s Japanese, if he got one he wouldn't be allowed in certain places in Japan, like certain sacred grounds. Sophomore Jake Risavi said he would want a tattoo with a palm tree and a lacrosse stick because he enjoys playing lacrosse and visiting Florida for vacations. Sophomore Ryan Middleton, doesn't have a tattoo but said he would get one if it was for the right purpose. Seniors Ben Wipper and Paddy Hagan said they would also like to have a few tattoos at some point in their lives. “I want something that can represent all my hobbies,” said Hagan.

Students are familiar with tattoos because they’ve seen them on people in their life or have seen them on some of their favorite celebrities. “I like Lil Wayne’s tear drop tattoo,” said Risavi. “My favorite tattoo is Mike Tyson’s face tattoo,” said sophomore Bennett Chirco. Chirco does not have a tattoo but enjoys the sight of a tattoo. “My cousin’s entire college lacrosse team got a tattoos when they won the National Championship for division III Nazareth College,” said sophomore Andrew Leclair.

There are many different views that one may have on the permanent body art of tattoos. Some may love them, some may hate them and some may not care. Whether you love them or hate them, tattoos are here to stay, forever.